Emergency Protocols

During an emergency, local officials may advise you to evacuate, shelter in place or to simply be aware of the situation and wait for updates.The County will update the website, social media and send email updates through Safe and Sound.

Sign up for Safe and Sound   Alberta Emergency Alert app

Your local government, Rocky View County, is responsible for managing emergencies that occur in our borders that affect residents and businesses.  

Rocky View County’s Emergency Management Agency works with County departments, regional partners, non-governmental organizations, and neighbouring municipalities to prepare and respond to emergencies. 

When a large-scale emergency occurs, the County will activate its Emergency Response Plan. The plan details how the County mobilizes its resources during a crisis. It also ensures all County organizations, emergency response services, and key agencies are fully aware of their respective roles and responsibilities. The job of the Emergency Management Agency is: 

• To ensure the immediate safety of residents
• To eliminate the threat
• To stabilize the situation
• To support residents during the emergency
• To recover from the emergency 

Emergency Reception Centres 

Reception Centers are designated spaces identified by the Rocky View County's Emergency Management Team as a safe gathering place for people displaced from their homes because of an emergency. They will provide basic needs until those services can transition to existing community resources.

Map of Reception Centres [PDF/612KB]

There are 17 facilities that can act as Reception Centres. Depending on the specific nature of the emergency, Reception Centre services could include:  

• Information and updates
• Accommodation/shelter services
• Registration and inquiry
• Emotional support
• Emergency food, clothing and lodging services
• Family reunification
• First Aid
• Pet services

You must make provisions for your pet(s) before entering the Emergency Reception Centre. If you need help in locating a kennel or making other arrangements for your pet, please see the Centre manager. 

Emergency Social Services provide essential necessities for the immediate and continued well-being of persons affected by an emergency.

Evacuation Order Directions

• Leave your home.
• Take the route specified by officials.
• Do not return to your property until you receive instruction to do so.
• Check in at a County Reception Centre [PDF/612KB], which will be opened immediately to provide shelter and resources. Even if you will not be staying at the centre, emergency responders need to know how to reach you to advise when it is safe to return. Inform the registrar at the reception centre of any medical needs.

Do NOT wait to be advised to leave if there is a possible threat to your home or evacuation route. Use your judgement! Leave early enough to avoid being caught in fire, smoke, or road congestion. If you are advised to leave by local authorities, do not hesitate. If you receive an Evacuation Order, you are required to evacuate.

Evacuation Checklist

• Take your Emergency Kit, plus your wallet, mobile phone and charger, glasses, medications, and car/house keys.
• Ensure all members of your family are wearing appropriate clothing for the weather and protective footwear.
• Leave within the time specified by emergency personnel. It may be immediately.
• Turn off and unplug all appliances. If you’ve been instructed to do so, turn off all utilities at the main switches or valves.
• Turn off pilot lights, propane, and gas tanks.
• Turn off your water.
• Lock doors and windows.
• Indicate to first responders that you have evacuated by leaving a note on the door or the green flagging tape if it has been provided.
• Take your pets with you, with collar and ID, leash, water, pet food, manual can opener, medications, and a current photo of your pet in case they get lost.
• Use the travel routes specified by emergency personnel. Don’t use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.
• Refrain from using your telephone or cell phone, except in case of an immediate emergency. Leave the network open for emergency personnel to use.
• Stay connected by checking emergency alerts issued through SAFE & SOUND and the County’s social media channels.
• If you have registered at a Reception Centre and left your contact information, Rocky View County emergency personnel will advise you when it is safe to return to your home. You can also check the website for updates.
• If you become trapped, call 9-1-1.

In an emergency, it is easy to become forgetful or panicked. Preparing your Emergency Plan and Emergency Kit ahead of time will help keep you focused and able to act quickly when an evacuation is necessary.

Shelter in Place Directions

You might be asked to shelter in place in cases of extreme weather, hazardous air, or dangerous individuals in the area.

• Stay in the building—whether it's your home, office, or other location.
• Lock all doors and windows.
• Gather everyone, including pets, in a small, interior room, on the lowest floor away from exterior doors, with no or few windows.

Hazardous air means poisonous chemical agents in the form of vapours, aerosols, liquids, or solids that have toxic effects on people, animals, or plants. In these cases, you should also:

• Turn off the air conditioner or furnace, turn off all fans, close the fireplace damper and any other place that air can come in from outside.
• Use duct tape and plastic to seal around doors and windows in the room where you take shelter.
• Do not drink water from the tap. Stored water will be safer.